Adam digging in his heels

Central defender Adam Dugdale is focusing on winning back his first-team place at Crewe Alexandra.

"I need to get a good start, stay injury free and keep playing well" - Adam Dugdale

The 25-year-old missed the final two months of last season on compassionate grounds following the tragic loss of his new-born son.

But now working hard during the summer fitness sessions, Dugdale is looking at being ready for the return to pre-season training at the end of the month.

"I just want to focus now on getting back playing and being a regular in the team, pushing Harry [Davis] and Mark [Ellis] for a place, which I probably didn't do enough last season," he told This is Staffordshire. "I want to channel all my energy into a positive and get as fit as I can and play as many games as possible.

"I spoke to Steve Davis and he told me the team is still open, so whoever does well in pre-season will get the nod," Dugdale continued. "I need to get a good start, stay injury free and keep playing well and that's what I'm determined to do."